GET FREE SAMPLES

sign up for our newsletter to get free sample alerts

10 Hot Chocolate Recipes That Put the Store Brand Stuff to Shame

These nutella, vegan and spiked hot chocolate recipes aren't the hot cocoa your grandma used to make
Photo 1/11
When we think of hot chocolate, we picture our eight-year-old selves in footie pajamas, crowded around a microwave, waiting for that sacred ding telling us to snatch our Swiss Miss and load it up with marshmallows. Oh, childhood. All it took was a little hot chocolate mix and some milk to make our entire night.

But we're not eight-year-olds anymore, and store brand hot chocolate isn't quite enough to satisfy our grown-up taste buds. Luckily, there exists a whole, exciting new world of hot chocolate recipes reserved strictly for us adults.

Now that we no longer believe in Santa's naughty list, we can up our cocoa game with one of these decadent homemade hot chocolate recipes. We're talking Nutella hot chocolate, Mexican hot chocolate, spiked hot chocolate and other fancy, fun (and totally Instagram-worthy) adaptations of the Swiss Miss our moms used to make us. The best part is that these creative hot chocolate recipes require only a smidge more time and effort than the microwave varieties. (As in, the time and effort it takes to turn on a stove and open a bottle of whiskey.)

Seem doable? Treat yourself this holiday season with one of these 10 classy hot chocolate recipe ideas.

Photo 2/11
Hot Chocolate Recipe: Nutella Hot Chocolate
To: The compulsive food 'grammer

From: Donatella's Blog

Fun fact: Nutella hazelnut spread was originally invented in the 1940s as a cheaper alternative to chocolate, which was in short supply after the Second World War. But you'd never know it. Since then, the tasty topping has earned cult status, and its devotees will put it on anything -- fruit, pastries, pizza. If you want applause for your homemade hot cocoa, this Nutella hot chocolate recipe is your best bet.

Ingredients (serves 2):
2 cups whole milk
2 cups half and half
10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup Nutella
Gourmet marshmallows for topping

Directions:
Boil milk and half and half in a saucepan on low. Remove from the heat, then add chocolate and Nutella. Whisk until ingredients are thoroughly combined and the chocolate melted.

Toast marshmallows over a gas flame until golden brown. Pour hot chocolate into a small mug, top with marshmallows and enjoy.

Photo 3/11
Hot Chocolate Recipe: Frozen Hot Chocolate
To:
The girl who still wishes it were summer

From:
Tasty Kitchen

Frozen hot chocolate rose to fame when Oprah discovered the concoction at New York City chocolate shop Serendipity 3 and named it one of her legendary "favorite things." If you prefer milkshakes and icy drinks to the hot stuff, this frozen hot chocolate adaptation will hit the spot.

Ingredients (serves two):
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons Dutch processed cocoa powder
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup white chocolate chips
12 ounces evaporated milk
4 1/2 cups ice
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
Whipped cream and mini marshmallows to taste

Directions:
Combine sugar, cocoa mix and butter in the top of a double boiler, set over lightly boiling water. Stir until ingredients are melted, creating a smooth paste.

Add semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, then stir. Once chips begin to melt, slowly stir in 1/2 cup of evaporated milk. Stir until smooth.

Cool this mixture to room temperature. Then, blend it with the remaining evaporated milk and ice in a blender until smooth. Pour into frosty glasses, and top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows and leftover chocolate chips, as desired.

Photo 4/11
Hot Chocolate Recipe: Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe
To:
The girl who douses Christmas dinner in hot sauce

From:
Gimme Some Oven

In the mood for some spice this holiday season? This chipotle and chili-laced Mexican hot chocolate recipe will kick you in the taste buds.

Ingredients:
1 cups milk
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon Dutch processed unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of chipotle or chili powder
Pinch of nutmeg
Pinch of Cayenne
Whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate syrup and chocolate shavings to top

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until simmering, stirring often. Remove from heat, and serve with optional toppings.

Photo 5/11
Hot Chocolate Recipe: White Hot Chocolate With Pumpkin
To: The girl who doesn't want to risk staining her winter whites

From: Good Life Eats

Hot chocolate and a pumpkin spice latte, all in one? Can it be true? Bring out your inner basic this holiday season with this indulgent white hot chocolate recipe with pumpkin spice. You won't even have to worry about spilling on your new white pea coat.

Ingredients:
1 cup whole milk
3 ounces white chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
Dash of cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
Dash of cardamom
Dash of allspice
Dash of ground ginger

Directions:
In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup milk, white chocolate and cocoa powder. Cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture well combined.

Whisk in the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice and ginger. Add the remaining milk and stir.

Serve topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of nutmeg, if desired.

BY AMANDA MONTELL | NOV 9, 2015 | SHARES
VIEW COMMENTS
Full Site | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
TotalBeauty is a property of Evolve Media Holdings, LLC. © 2024 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media Holdings, LLC, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.